Department of the Interior Announces Start of 2013 “Share the Experience” Photo ContestAmateur shutterbugs invited to compete for prizes for best photographs taken on nation’s public lands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of the Interior today announced the start of the 2013 “Share the Experience” contest, giving amateur photographers the chance to join the ranks of Ansel Adams, Thomas Moran, and others who have found recognition for their photographs of the nation's public lands.

The “Share the Experience” photo contest showcases our nation’s public lands, including national parks, wildlife refuges, forests and recreation areas - and draws entries from all across the United States. It is the largest national park and public land photo contest for amateur photographers.

“Photography has the power to make the great outdoors accessible so that we all can see some of the most beautiful places in the world through the eyes of people like Ansel Adams,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “This is a fun competition that helps strengthen the connection between Americans and their public lands, and I look forward to seeing the submissions from across the country.”

This year, a new Let’s Move Outside! photo category will encourage families to explore the outdoors and lead active lifestyles. Let’s Move Outside! is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative to raise a healthier generation of kids.

The winning photograph will appear on the 2015 America the Beautiful pass for entrance to 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. All entries have the chance to be featured on the Interior Department’s popular Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Prizes provided by the National Park Foundation, Active Network, Air Wick and Historic Hotels of America include a $15,000 cash prize, a Columbia backpack, a pass to the national parks and other federal lands, and other items for the grand prize winner. Second and third place winners, as well as 7 Honorable Mention winners, will also receive prizes.

The “Share the Experience” begins May 10, 2013 and runs through December 31, 2013. Amateur photographers can participate by uploading photos on www.sharetheexperience.org.

“Share the Experience” is sponsored by Active Network, Air Wick, Historic Hotels of America and the National Park Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service.

To view the 2012 contest winners as wells as the contest rules and a complete list of prizes, please see www.sharetheexperience.org.

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The U.S. Department of the Interior manages some of America’s most breathtaking national parks, national wildlife refuges and other public lands. That is why I am excited to invite you to join our new photo project, Summer in America’s Great Outdoors.

Our goal is to create a large photo collection of all the fun and exciting things people can do on America’s public lands this summer, and you are our greatest advocates in making this a reality. Many people do not know about all the amazing places across the country they can enjoy – places that belong to all Americans. With your help, we’ll help people better understand the great opportunities for fun this summer in their own backyards and across the country.